I was having an issue with stiff steering on my 2007 w ~240k miles. Did a power steering fluid flush (ATF fluid) and it didnt help so next looked at the intermediate shaft. Lubing the u joint helped loosen the steering for a short period of time.

A local independent shop replaced the lower shaft and yoke (OEM parts) and it was a HUGE difference. It was almost too loose as I could now turn the wheel with only a single finger as it offered no resistance but I was ecstatic with the repair. Tech said he had trouble getting the steering wheel to line up straight after but by the time I picked it up it was fine.

Well now 2 months and approximately 2k miles later the steering has stiffened up again.

The PS reservoir is at the proper level and the fluid is new. Any thoughts on what I can check next?

I found a post that mentioned to pump some grease into the ball joints so I may try that next since its easy and cheap, just wanted to see if anyone had insight as to why the steering would be fine after replacing intermediate shaft and then stiffen up again in a short period of time.

Has the truck ever been in an accident? How old is the power steering pump?

Same for innner and outer tie rods?

Is the steering rack original?

Are the upper and lower ball joints OEM? How old?

Lot's of potential items on the front end to check.

Accident free truck that's lived in south carolina for its entire life.

All the parts you mentioned are original still, steering rack, ball joints, tie rod ends, PS pump. XREAS was replaced with Blistein 5100s approximately 15k miles ago.

PS pumps looks and sounds fine to me.

Any tips to check the above items in my driveway?

how are your lower control arm bushings? is your lower control arm moving around under load ?

Just to rule out the new intermediate shaft, I would do the same test you did before replacing it, spray some lubricate on it and see if the steering frees up or not, is it doesn't then it's not the new shaft and you need to start checking and or replacing other items...but one at a time so you know when you have actually found the issue.

Consistently tight? Has to be fluid blockage something. Maybe steering rack dying or clogged or pinched?

Lift the front tires off the ground and see if it's still hard to turn with the motor off. When the steering shaft u-joint starts to seize it will feel hard in some spots and easier in other spots. Kinda notchy as you turn the wheel but easiest to notice with the engine off and no pressure on the wheels. Maybe you got one that had no lube in it. With the engine off you can also listen for odd noises from ball joints and such that could be locking up.